What are the definitions of “tune out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Ignore, not pay attention.
I TUNED him OUT because he was talking such rubbish.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tune out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tune out is to ignore or not pay attention to something or someone. It can be used when someone is talking, or when there is noise or other distractions.
What are the different verb forms of “tune out”?
| Root Verb | tune out |
| Third Person Singular Present | tunes out |
| Present Participle | tuning out |
| Simple Past | tuned out |
| Past Participle | tuned out |
Example
When the teacher started talking about history, I tuned out.
Example
She tunes out whenever her brother talks about video games.
Example
He is tuning out the noise from the construction site.
Example
Yesterday, they tuned out the loud music from the party next door.
Example
The important information was tuned out during the meeting.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tune out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“tune out” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
I tuned out the noise from the street.
Example
She tuned out her brother's complaints.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“tune out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I tuned out the noise from the street.
Example
She tuned out her brother's complaints.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tune out”?
Good things to know
Does “tune out” have an informal or formal tone?
Tune out is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It may not be suitable for very formal settings, where more formal alternatives like 'ignore' or 'disregard' can be used.
